(Arecibo, PR) May 27, 2026-The Center for STEM Education, Computational Skills, and Community Engagement —known as Arecibo C3 (AC3) recently celebrated the third edition of the “Summer of Nanopore DNA Sequencing” workshop, an educational initiative that seeks to strengthen Puerto Rico's scientific and technological capabilities by providing access to advanced genetic sequencing tools currently used by researchers worldwide.
The workshop, held at the Arecibo C3 facilities, formerly the Arecibo radio telescope, brought together 19 educators from 16 academic institutions in Puerto Rico and the United States, including university professors, academic staff, and high school teachers, who received practical training in portable DNA sequencing technologies, bioinformatics, and genomic data analysis.
During the educational experience, participants performed exercises in DNA extraction and sequencing, species identification using “DNA barcoding,” analysis of environmental river samples, and the use of computational tools to interpret genetic information. As part of the activities, participants generated over 4 billion DNA nucleotides, an amount of genetic information that exceeds the full size of the human genome.
“This is the first time I've had the opportunity to receive training in Nanopore sequencing technology, and it will definitely transform the way we teach biology. The first thing I'll bring to the classroom is the potential to use this technology to identify and study the species that are part of our ecosystems. In a coastal town like Lajas, being able to analyze fish, mangroves, and marine organisms, and even compare genetic information with species from other parts of the world, opens extraordinary possibilities for our students,” expressed Dr. Ricky Padilla Del Valle, a Biology teacher at Alejandro Tapia Rivera School in Lajas.
“The most impressive thing is that this portable technology allows access to genetic information in a matter of hours, whereas before these processes could take weeks, months, or even years. Tools like this help spark students' interest because they turn science into a practical and applied experience. Now students can investigate real problems, formulate scientific questions, and understand molecular biology concepts through concrete experiences. We are very grateful to Arecibo C3 and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory for providing us with access and training in such innovative technology,” he added.
Meanwhile, Jason Williams, principal investigator at Arecibo C3 and Assistant Director of the DNA Learning Center at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York, highlighted the transformative potential of these tools in science education. “One of the most exciting aspects of Nanopore sequencing is that some of the most advanced DNA sequencing technologies now fit in the palm of your hand. Just over ten years ago, generating this amount of genetic data required specialized facilities and millions of dollars in investment. Today, educators can bring these tools directly into classrooms and field research experiences. Through Arecibo C3, we are working to ensure that students and educators in Puerto Rico not only learn about the future of biotechnology but also help shape it.
In 2025, Williams received the Elizabeth Jones Award for Education from the Genetics Society of America, and in 2026, he was elected a distinguished fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Williams explained that one of the main objectives of the program is to create a network of educators trained in the latest advances in biotechnology to broaden access to these educational experiences in different regions of Puerto Rico. As part of this effort, participants can later access equipment, curricular resources, technical support, and professional collaboration networks.
The program is part of a broader strategy for talent development and workforce preparation in areas such as biotechnology, genetics, environmental sciences, data analysis, and health sciences, sectors that continue to grow globally and demand personnel with experience in emerging technologies.
Arecibo C3 announced that it will continue to expand its training initiatives through future genetic sequencing workshops, new educational collaborations, and opportunities to strengthen the teaching of advanced biotechnology in Puerto Rico.
The initiative had the collaboration of organizations such as the DNA Learning Center at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Oxford Nanopore Technologies, InnovATEBIO National Biotechnology Education Center, and Pathogen Data Network.